Last fall a murder occured in my garden. Even though I did not witness the actual act, I did manage to get catch the fellon red handed ;-).

Mantis are carnivorous insects that takes up a deceptively humble posture when it is searching for food. Praying mantises do not actively hunt down their prey. Instead, they wait unmoving and virtually invisible on a leaf or stem, ready to seize any passing insect. When potential prey comes within range, the mantis thrust its pincer like forelegs forward to grasp the insect. Any chance of escape is minimized by the viselike grip facilitated by the rows of hooked spines along the inner part of the mantis' front legs. The mantis bites its prey's head off first.

A gruesome scene, Sky, captured with great sharpness. I have always wondered how one eats a butterfly, how it must feel in the mouth with all the wings. Hhmmm.... TFS this interesting and dramatic shot. : )

Hello Sky, What a rare one you captured. People always ask me why I always carry my camera bag with me, and this photo is precisely why. You never know when you will be able to catch a shot like this. Maybe you could color correct it a but, but otherwise perfect. Keep shootin!!